Plants inhabiting estuarine and mangrove swamp biomes face severe physiological stress due to waterlogged, oxygen-deficient muddy substrates and fluctuating salinity. Which of the following specialized adaptations enables mangrove plants (such as Rhizophora and Avicennia) to survive in this habitat?
- Development of erect, negatively geotropic breathing roots (pneumatophores) bearing lenticels for atmospheric gaseous exchangeAnswer
- BModifications of xylem vessels to translocate manufactured organic food bidirectionally from aerial leaves to subterranean roots
- CComplete absence of internal vascular tissues, forcing reliance on direct cell-to-cell diffusion for water absorption across aerial leaves
- DPresence of feathery, exposed stigmas and light, smooth pollen grains specifically adapted for underwater wind pollination
Answer
Development of erect, negatively geotropic breathing roots (pneumatophores) bearing lenticels for atmospheric gaseous exchange
Mangrove biomes feature waterlogged, anoxic mud. To overcome oxygen deficiency around the root system, plants develop negatively geotropic breathing roots (pneumatophores) equipped with lenticels that absorb atmospheric oxygen.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Adaptive structural features of organisms in mangrove/estuarine biomes
Estimated Time:1m 0s